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Five Key Players Through the First Third of the Season

There's no football game this week for the Mountaineers as they have hit the first of their two bye weeks. Next on the schedule is a date with the 11th ranked Texas Longhorns - who are playing really sound football at the moment.

Through the first third of the season, West Virginia has managed its way to a 3-1 record including an impressive 44-27 victory over North Carolina State. Now, it hasn't been pretty, but to be at 3-1 at this point in the season is a win with a young team and a new coaching staff.

So without further adieu, let's take a look at the five key players for West Virginia so far this season.

#5 LB Josh Chandler

 Photo by Doug Johnson/WVSportsNow

Photo by Doug Johnson/WVSportsNow

Through the first four games of the season, Chandler has been the Mountaineers clean up man. He has registered 32 tackles, which ranks him 8th in the Big 12. He also has 1 pass breakup and a fumble recovery to add to his resume. There’s no question that Chandler has been impressive, but you’d like to see his TFL’s (tackles for loss) increase.

#4 CB Hakeem Bailey

 Photo by Doug Johnson/WVSportsNow

Photo by Doug Johnson/WVSportsNow

If there were an award for most improved player through four games, Bailey would certainly claim that title. He has already racked up 22 tackles and 5 pass breakups. A year ago, he only tallied 43 tackles and one pass breakup, so he’s already giving more production than he did a year ago. Bailey has shown physicality and toughness and has not shied away from getting involved in run support.

#3 WR Sam James

 Photo by Doug Johnson/WVSportsNow

Photo by Doug Johnson/WVSportsNow

Without a doubt, the most explosive player on the West Virginia offense is Sam James. He’s got all the potential in the world, but still has a long way to go before anyone can name him a number one, go-to guy. If guys like Sean Ryan or T.J. Simmons can help counter James, it will help his development throughout the course of the season. So far he’s hauled in 26 receptions for 263 yards and a touchdown, along with 142 yards on 8 kickoff returns.

#2 The Stills Brothers

 Photo by Doug Johnson/WVSportsNow

Photo by Doug Johnson/WVSportsNow

These cats have been living in opponents backfield all season long. Dante, currently sits first in the Big 12 in sacks (4) and 2nd in tackles for loss (6). The older sibling Darius, has accounted for three sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss - both putting him in the top five of the league in each category, respectively.

Dante is currently on pace for 12 sacks, which would rank him tied for third in single season sacks, tied with guess who? His father, Gary Stills.

This new defensive scheme has been very beneficial to Darius as it allows him to show his athleticism and allows him to create plays rather than be over top the ball. He too, could make a run at his fathers 12 sack mark.

#1 LT Colton McKivitz 

 Photo by Doug Johnson/WVSportsNow

Photo by Doug Johnson/WVSportsNow

Once you saw the title, I’m sure that you knew who would be in this No. 1 spot.

McKivitz has absolutely dominated and hasn’t missed very many assignments. Making the switch from right tackle to left doesn’t seem to be that much of an issue. In fact, it looks as if he’s played there all along. If he continues to have a strong season, he will certainly end up on the First Team All-Big 12 list.

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